Why is housing important?

Author: Sharon Jang | Reviewer: Rachel Abel | Published: 25 May 2022 | Updated: ~

Illustration accompanying Why is housing important?

After a spinal cord injury (SCI), there is often an increased need for social support and accessibility in the environment. Due to these factors, careful planning and consideration are required for optimal housing. Housing is an important factor in transitioning back into the community, which is a strong predictor of quality of life. Some (weak) evidence has noted that housing can influence quality of life as it:

  • Creates opportunities for community participation through its physical location (e.g., being close to community centers, libraries, shops, etc.).
  • Creates a sense of safety.
  • Promotes independence, if the house is accessible.
  • Allows for socialization with family and friends.

If there is a mismatch between housing needs and the home a person is discharged to, weak evidence suggests that a variety of difficulties may arise, including:

  • A loss of friendships.
  • A lack of care or assistance.
  • Negative experiences with other people, related to being in a wheelchair.
  • A lack of control over daily activities.
  • A lack of flexibility and restriction of participating in work and leisure.

Moving back into the community after SCI is both a test of the supportiveness of the environment, and the resilience and resourcefulness of the individual. These factors can determine the success of the transition back into the community. This article will specifically focus on optimizing housing after SCI.